The Dangerous Secrets Teens are Keeping

MomLogic's editor-in-chief Sabrina Weill on why teens sometimes keep key information away from their parents.

badgirls.jpg

Almost half of teens (47%) say they've never talked to their parents about sex, drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol, according to a study released today by WE tv and Harris (WE begins airing an 8-part docu-series tonight: High School Confidential which we plan to check out).

When researching my book about teens and sex, often teens would say (and believe) "My Mom would KILL me if she knew..." secrets ranging from a kiss with the "wrong boy" to a stolen after-school cigarette, and beyond.
Then I'd ask Moms: "How upset would you be about your child smoking ...drinking... having sex?" Unhappy, yes-- yet no Moms could name a crime that would make them want to kick their child out of the house (a major fear of teens).

Bottom line: If you don't explicitly tell teens what you expect and how you'd react if they smoke/drink/do drugs/have sex, they will make up their own version of your reaction and base their decisions on that--including the decision not to confide in you, even if they really need your help. Scary, no? Have you talked to your teen or tween about sex, drugs, or alcohol? How did you bring it up?

previous: Win it: Kelly Ripa's Daughter's T-Shirt!
next: You and the Environment Win Big

2 comments so far

Add a Text Comment
default userpic
Ashley on March 11, 2008 1:17 PM wrote:

“Have you talked to your teen or tween about sex, drugs, or alcohol?”

Give me a break! If you wait until they’re a teen or a tween to talk to them you’ve already waited too long. You need to lay the foundation when they are little, little and teach them to respect their bodies and teach them THEN that drugs and alcohol are wrong. Birds and bees conversations are a complete waste.

 
Vote up
Vote down

2
agree
default userpic
Anonymous on March 25, 2008 11:32 PM wrote:

you cant scare teens with those commercials they have. honestly, the matter is pointless if not discussed BEFORE they are a teen. so.. Thats agreeable.
The B&B conversation is a waste.. They’ll figure it out on their own! A parent being the first one to talk to your child about something like this is just awkward! face it! You’ll ruin your relationship if your bring the topic up too late. ( before 4th grade or so )

 
Vote up
Vote down

0
agree

(not displayed)
  remember me?      
 

Avoid clicking “Post” more than once.

ML OBSESSION
COUPONS & SALES